Union Flag

[denis567]

Did anyone else notice, but on Newsround (BBC 1 at 5.00pm) there was a item about the opening of the Winter Olympics. Right in front of the screen was a young woman waving an enormous Union Flag and it was upside down. I didn't watch later news programmes, but I hope someone drew her attention to it.

[factor-fiction]

I'm a pedant regarding many things but this issue has never concerned me. I think you'll be in a minority on this one denis 567

[bibblebub]

It was pointed out on BBC Breakfast this morning.

[123everton]

I'm kinda with you, but it really shouldn't happen though, shows poor planning.

[denis567]

Thanks for your answers. factor30, I cannot agree with you on this, to fly the Union flag upside down is regarded as an insult to the Queen.
I remember many years ago, in my caravanning days, there was a troop of scouts camping in the next field. They erected a huge pole with a Union Flag fluttering upside down. I went to see the troop leader and he was not even aware that it could be flown upside down, but the next day it had been altered.

[pips1]

Why can't we call it the Union Jack any more? I've forgotten!

[Aquagility]

It isn't, and never was, the Union Jack except when flown on the jack staff, a small mast on the bow of a ship.

[pips1]

Thanks, I didn't know that

[Buenchico]

Aquagility is obviously neither a fan of 'QI' nor a reader of Wikipedia (among many other websites).

It seems that it's a myth that the term 'Union Jack' is only applicable when the flag is flown from a ship's flag mast. Prior to the Victorian age the word 'jack' was almost interchangeable with the word 'flag'. While the origins of 'jack' may well lie in naval terminology there seems to be no reason to assume marine exclusivity for the term.

Chris

[waterboatman]

The Union Flag is only the Union Jack when it is flying from the bow Jackstaff of a Royal Naval ship. Which is only when the ship is tied up alongside in port, or at anchor. It is struck (taken down) when the last line leaves the shore, or when the anchor breaks the surface. It is never flown at sea. The stern jackstaff has the White Ensign flying from it. Or, in the case of the merchant navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, the Red Ensign. Flags are flown upside down to show that the ship is in distress.

[tamborine]

get it right

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Flag

[waterboatman]

That is correct tam. The wide white diagonal in the top left corner.

[whiskeryron]

Whilst we are on the subject, does anyone agree with me that our wonderful flag should be flown more often, I am proud to be British & I so admire the Americans who show their flag in school rooms,offices & from buildings throughout the states.They can teach us a thing or two about national pride.

[Aquagility]

Buenchico, I am not a fan of QI, and it should be remembered that Wikipedia does not have a basis of fact (anyone can contribute, without giving their sources).
I am grateful to waterboatman for confirming my answer to pips1's question. In this case (for once?) I do know what I'm talking about!